Sedalia School District 200 has hired Cendy Harrell-Carson as an armed school resource officer. While her primary responsibilities will be at Sedalia Middle School, Ms. Harrell-Carson’s duties will extend district-wide.

She previously has served as a commander for the Sedalia Police Department and as a telecommunication officer for the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office. She holds six police commendations, two Meritorious Conduct Awards and a Life-Save Award. She also served as one of the first D.A.R.E officers in the state of Missouri.

Ms. Harrell-Carson is a graduate of Licking High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Central Missouri State University (now the University of Central Missouri) in 1984 and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Louisville in 2004. From January 2006 to December 2011, she taught criminal justice courses at State Fair Community College.

“The Board of Education, along with Dr. Harriet Wolfe and Mr. Brad Pollitt, have made school safety a priority over the past years,” said Assistant Superintendent Steve Triplett, who oversees district security issues. “The addition of Cendy Harrell-Carson only enhances an already strong security force within our district.  The Sedalia Middle School is the third largest school in the district, so it makes sense to station her at that building.”

Sara Pannier, principal at Sedalia Middle School, said: “We are excited to have a resource officer housed at SMS and appreciate the district’s determination to enhance the security for our students, the building  and district as a whole. Ms. Harrell-Carson has a wealth of knowledge in law enforcement, she knows our community, and has interacted with our fifth-grade students as a D.A.R.E. officer for several years. Her presence will immediately provide reassurance to students, parents and staff that safety is a priority.”

Ms. Harrell-Carson is married to Jim Carson and has two sons and two step-daughters.

This press release provided by Sedalia School District 200.

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